Death By A HoneyBee

A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

Fiction - Mystery - General
298 Pages
Reviewed on 05/03/2010
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Born and bred in Kentucky, Miss Abigail graduated with Distinction from the
University of Kentucky in Middle Eastern Civilization. She then went into private business and kept bees.

Miss Abigail has won sixteen honey awards at the Kentucky State Fair and is also the first recipient of the Barbara Horn Award, which is only given to those who score a perfect 100 at the Kentucky State Fair in a beekeeping entry. In 2004, she traveled to South Africa to study bees.

She lives on the Kentucky River in a metal house with her husband and various critters. Death By A Honeybee, her first mystery novel, won the 2010 GOLD MEDAL AWARD from Readers’ Favorite.

She is also the author of Last Chance For Love series (inspirational romances) and the Princess Maura Tales (epic fantasy).

    Book Review

Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

Josiah Reynolds, a former art history professor, was once a celebrity with wealth, social position, and a famous husband. Now all of that is gone. She finds her circumstances drastically altered. Retired, Josiah is now a full-time beekeeper, trying to stay afloat by selling honey at the local Farmers’ Market. She finds her world turned upside down when a man is found dead in her yard, only to discover that the victim is her competitor and nemesis. The police suspect Josiah; she is their primary suspect.

Josiah, along with her assistant, Matt (twenty years her junior and gay), and her lawyer, Shaneika (an African-American woman, rumored to be a descendant of a historically prominent Lexington family) try to find out who framed her. Josiah’s powerful, but secretive, daughter pops in and out of her mother’s life, pulling strings to protect her mother from danger.

Set in beautiful Bluegrass horse country, Josiah makes the rounds of quirky characters that can only be found in Kentucky. Fighting an unseen enemy, in the glamorous world of thoroughbreds, oak-cured bourbon, and ante-bellum plantation houses, Josiah struggles to uncover the truth in a city that keeps secrets well.

Ms. Keam has the makings of a very good mystery writer. By tweaking the suspense level, she will surely accomplish this goal. "Death by a Honey Bee" is an enjoyable read which will capture the interest of most die-hard mystery fans.

Rebecca Webster

I couldn't put the book down. It was funny but with lots of mystery. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Susie Keam

Very much enjoyed the book. I liked the suspense and the humor. Looking forward to the upcoming adventures of Josiah.

Sarah Moore

What I love most about the book are the characters. Ms. Keam's talented use of voice makes them leap off the page. They are unique and varied. This book is hard to put down. I did not want it to end.

Bunny Lancaster

I thoroughly enjoyed Death By A HoneyBee. Not only is the book laced with local history, humor, suspense and a colorful cast of characters, but Keam vividly informs her audience about the art of bee keeping. A deliciously intriguing read that leaves you craving more.

John Lancaster

I read very little fiction, but read this book at my wife's suggestion. I could not put it down and devoured it in two sittings. The characters were fabulous, the story line intriguing, and the local color so realistic. If I read only one work of fiction in the coming year it will be Keam's next novel. Can't wait.

Diana Tolar

I loved this book! The characters were smart and well-developed and the plot kept me turning page after page. I flew through the book before I knew it. Can't wait for the next one!

claudia Isenhour

The book and characters kept me smiling ---fun read have recommended to all my friends

Phillip Spears

This is a great read. I had a hard time putting it down once I started. I loved the quirky characters. Looking forward to vol. 2

sheri wright

An excellent first novel and introduction into a series set in The Bluegrass. An intelligent and clever read that keeps you turning its pages.

Sarah Moore

Read the entire book in one sitting. Couldn't put it down.

Nelda

This is a wonderful read and excellent first novel. I sat down to read and didn't put it down until I finished it. The characters are quirky,fun, and lovable. The use of humor in the book is a plus.Can't wait for the next in the series.